FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 26, 2024

OPERADELAWARE, FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE, AND THE GRAND PARTNER FOR A DIVINE NIGHT IN DELAWARE ON MARCH 28, 2024

WILMINGTON, Del. - OperaDelaware, First State Ballet Theatre, and The Grand have partnered with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of New Castle County to present an inaugural event entitled “A Divine Night in Delaware” on March 28, 2024. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was established as a coordinating body of the nine historically African American Greek letter organizations, affectionately known as the Divine Nine. A Divine Night in Delaware aims to welcome members of the historic Divine Nine to take ownership of classical arts spaces in Delaware. This special event will be headlined by OperaDelaware artists Michelle Johnson and Brian Major along with First State Ballet Theatre and feature genre-blending performances from Richard Raw, Jonathan Whitney, Dennis Spence, Nadj Nicole, and others. 

“OperaDelaware is honored for the opportunity to work with the NPHC to welcome the highly influential, connected, and passionate members of the Divine Nine to The Grand Opera House,” says Kerriann Otaño, OperaDelaware’s Vice President of Engagement. “This inaugural event will set the stage for community-building and cross-genre collaboration in the First State that will put artists and audiences in the spotlight.”

The evening will kick off with a red carpet runway photoshoot with three professional photographers – the OperaDelaware pOPERAzzi – and audiences are encouraged to dress to impress in their favorite red carpet looks. A complimentary glass of champagne will be provided by OperaDelaware’s beverage sponsor, Swigg Real Wine, Craft Beer, and Spirits, located in Independence Mall. A spread of Italian food, a cash bar, and DJ Gerald Rocha will round out the impressive cocktail hour. 

Soprano Michelle Johnson will headline A Divine Night in Delaware along with her husband, the accomplished baritone Brian Major. The two will lead the performance with a mix of arias, musical theater, and unexpected delights. Later this season, Michelle with appear in the title role in Turandot with OperaDelaware at The Grand.

"First State Ballet Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the NPHC and OperaDE to create this truly exciting event. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for this incredible group. This is going to be a really special evening and we look forward to continuing this partnership and making A Divine Night in Delaware one of the highlights of the year," says Joan Beatson, Director of Advancement at First State Ballet Theatre.

The Divine Nine organization with the most representation at this inaugural event will win a free Pop-Up Opera performance anywhere in the state of Delaware, ensuring that the cycle of exceptional arts access and community engagement continues.

“Pop-Up Opera allows OperaDelaware to reach new audiences where they are,” says Otaño. “The Divine Nine organization that has the largest presence on March 28 will get to select a location for an hour-long Pop-Up Opera performance on our mobile opera stage. This could be at a community center, festival, school, or private event. The purpose is to align the arts with organizations, like the Divine Nine, who make a difference in our community.”

Tickets are just $50 with early access before March 1 (after March 1 tickets increase to $75). Attendees are not required to be affiliated with the Divine Nine to attend. All are welcome. 

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts http://arts.delaware.gov/, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts https://www.arts.gov/. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com

Additional support for this inaugural event comes from New Castle County, Stepping Stones, WSFS Bank, Office of the Wilmington Treasurer, Music School of Delaware, Capital One, Black Chamber of Commerce, PNC, and the HR Refinery.

 
 

About OperaDelaware: OperaDelaware, now in its 78th season, is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OperaDelaware opens the door to bold, vibrant and creative operatic programming that enriches the community, transforms audiences, and encourages dialogue.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Organizational images: Available for download here.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.